BUR OAK DENTAL
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Bur Oak Dental
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Crown and bridge work is more complex than simple fillings in terms of the procedures involved as well as the materials used. Crowns are used to protect damaged or broken teeth that are prone to fracture and bridges can be used as a method of replacing one or sometimes multiple missing teeth. Crown and bridge work requires careful planning as well as skilled work by your Bur Oak dentist and our laboratory to ensure you receive the best possible treatment that will last a long time. Estimates or pre-determinations are required before insurance will authorize a crown or bridge to be placed, but rest assured our admin team is knowledgeable and will ensure the process of getting this work approved by your insurance will be as simple as possible for you.
Dental Crown or Dental Bridge, What’s The Difference?
A dental crown (or “cap”) is basically a new outer shell that covers a damaged tooth to protect what remains of the tooth structure. There are various materials that can be used to fabricate a crown, from metals to ceramics or porcelain and your dentist will discuss with you what options you have and which may be the best fit for your particular tooth. Crowns provide a strong, long-lasting layer of protection against cracks and damage to your tooth so you can have the peace of mind to eat your favourite foods without worrying your tooth will break. Dental crowns are used to treat teeth that have lost a significant part of their structure, which can happen as a result of tooth decay, the failure of a large filling, cracks and breaks as well as root canal treatment, which weakens a tooth significantly. The tooth is prepared by trimming it slightly to make room for the new crown material then eventually the crown is cemented permanently in place over top of the tooth preparation. This procedure takes 2 visits.
A Bridge (also known as a “fixed partial denture”), is usually used to replace a single missing tooth, but in some cases can be used to replace multiple teeth. A bridge works by preparing the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth as if you were doing crowns, but the laboratory then makes a single 3-piece unit with one false tooth welded in between the crowns. This 3-piece bridge is then cemented permanently in place over top of the natural tooth preparations.
What can I expect when I come in for my crown or bridge appointment?
The consult or initial appointment usually involves planning for the procedure, discussion of all the relevant options, pros and cons, risks, costs as well as sending off dental estimates and potentially taking any radiographs that are required.
The second appointment is the preparation appointment. If your tooth has not had a root canal, numbing will be required so that you do not feel any sensitivity. Your tooth will be prepared to exact specifications and a putty mold or alternatively a 3D scan of the preparation will be made. This mold or scan is then used by the laboratory to fabricate your crown. The dentist will then make a temporary crown out of white filling material to put on your tooth to protect it until the final crown is ready to be placed.
At the final appointment the temporary crown will be removed and the final crown will be permanently cemented once your dentist ensures it is a perfect fit and you are happy with how it looks.
If you have any questions about crown and bridge feel free to contact our office and we will be happy to help!